Astronomers from the University of Liège have solved a 50-year-old stellar mystery by attributing the X-rays emitted by Gamma Cas to a magnetic white dwarf orbiting the star. The study used high-energy astrophysics instrumentation and revealed that the X-rays are associated with the compact companion, not the massive Be star itself.
The study found a significant reduction in NO2 levels, but limited effect on PM10 and PM2.5 particles within the LEZ. The results indicate that the zone contributes to improving air quality, highlighting the need for additional measures.
Astronomers have solved a 50-year-old mystery surrounding the star gamma-Cas, revealing that its unusual high-energy X-rays are linked to the orbital motion of an invisible white dwarf companion. This breakthrough was made possible by unique high-resolution observations from the European Space Agency's XRISM mission.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
Researchers identified specific bacterial strains that convert low-protein diets into a fat-burning metabolic state by modifying bile acids and producing ammonia. This transformation increases energy expenditure and aids in weight management, potentially influencing metabolic health.
A new generative AI framework predicts future urban layouts considering multiple factors. The Memory-aware Multi-Conditional generation Network (MMCN) offers a novel approach to modeling complex urban evolution, providing a powerful tool for sustainable urban development.
A comprehensive study reveals that staple crops such as maize, rice, and cassava are responsible for about 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation globally. In contrast, major export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, and rubber cause less than 5% of deforestation.
A novel catalyst design enables simultaneous control of lattice structure and oxygen vacancies in molybdenum oxide, achieving high water electrolysis performance using low-cost, non-precious metal-based catalysts. The technology has strong potential for commercialization as a key catalyst for eco-friendly hydrogen production.
A recent report found that only two out of 23 identified priorities for childhood cancer research received dedicated UK funding. Five key areas, including improving hospital experiences and addressing emotional wellbeing, were overlooked entirely. The study highlights a significant gap between patient needs and research funding.
Researchers found that people with early dementia with Lewy bodies walk more slowly and have a lower walking rhythm than those with early Parkinson's disease. This study highlights the promise of measuring movement in a more detailed manner to improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers sequenced the Great Basin bristlecone pine genome, revealing genes associated with disease resistance and longer telomeres, potentially holding clues for understanding longevity in other species. The study provides a reference genome sequence that can be used to inform modern genetic discovery.
Researchers found that mild hypoxia in preterm babies can compromise neural communication, impacting the hippocampus region responsible for memory and learning. Abnormal neuronal maturation and loss of synaptic function may lead to academic difficulties and behavioral concerns later in life.
A new study found that walking pace is a strong predictor of mortality risk, especially in people with existing health conditions. Combining walking pace with other physical measures improved mortality predictions, suggesting a simple and cost-effective way to identify high-risk individuals.
Researchers found that A. niger can recover nearly 40% of trapped phosphorus within 15 days through microbial metabolism and selective mobilization. This bioextraction strategy has the potential to transform industrial waste into a valuable agricultural resource, reducing dependence on finite phosphate rock reserves.
Optical biosensors offer promising solutions for rapid, portable, and on-site pesticide detection. Key biorecognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers enable high-selectivity detection and minimize environmental impacts.
The HKU Primary Health Care Academy has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre for health and nursing workforce development in primary care. The centre will support workforce development and health system transformation through capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange.
A HKU study has discovered a previously overlooked process controlling phosphorus availability in ancient iron-rich oceans. Phyllosilicate minerals effectively trap dissolved phosphate on their surfaces via an 'Fe(II) bridging effect', removing essential nutrients from seawater and limiting marine life.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a sustainable biopolymer mixture from tung oil acid emulsion to seal cuticles and increase elasticity in damaged hair. The new application has the potential to reduce breakage and improve hair health, set to join the growing natural personal care product pipeline.
The University of Hong Kong has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Phoenix Yuen Foundation Fund Limited to enhance education and student development. The donation reflects the shared values of dedication to education and the arts, strengthening HKU's mission to nurture creative leaders.
The Shanghuang Observatory is a key research center for atmospheric physics in China, playing a crucial role in enhancing the country’s weather forecasting capabilities. The observatory has made significant contributions to improving weather prediction models, supporting disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
Researchers developed inch-scale, binder-free ultrahard diamond wafers with Vickers hardness exceeding 200 GPa. The ultra-hard diamond wafer exhibits outstanding wear resistance and structural stability, making it suitable for applications in extreme-environment electronics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor thermal management.
The University of Hong Kong Libraries and the Chamber of Young Snow have signed a 10-year MoU to advance Chinese cultural education and foster cross-cultural understanding. The partnership aims to strengthen HKU Libraries as a cultural hub and support CYS's mission to elevate Chinese heritage.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a way to control tiny magnetic properties using electric current, paving the way for new computing technologies. This approach stabilizes spins in energetically unfavorable states, allowing for more flexible data storage.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered that the cyanobacterial circadian clock is controlled by factors intrinsic to one protein, which remains stable under different conditions. This finding offers significant insight into how living organisms measure time.
Researchers identified two types of extreme warm events: warm-wet and warm-dry, with distinct underlying weather patterns and physical mechanisms. Warm-wet events are more frequent, driven by a dipole pressure pattern that traps heat and leads to warming and precipitation.
The University of Hong Kong launched its HKU Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), a structured mentorship network affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's VMS model. The program aims to provide strategic guidance and long-term support to HKU startups, helping them overcome early-stage challenges.
The brain extracellular space plays a crucial role in molecular diffusion, metabolic waste clearance, and post-blood–brain barrier drug transport. Recent advances have improved ECS characterization, enabling its integration into studies of CNS disease mechanisms, therapeutic design, and regulatory evaluation.
High-temperature biochars create stable conditions for microbial-assisted Cd immobilization, reducing crop contamination risks. Low-temperature biochars improve soil fertility but stimulate microbial activity increasing Cd availability.
Research reveals a cross-seasonal connection between tropical Pacific Ocean warming and Antarctic stratospheric changes, with warming in the tropics leading to weakening of the polar vortex and ozone depletion. The study improves predictions of Southern Hemisphere climate patterns and offers insights into Antarctic ozone variability.
A study by King's College London found that night shift workers with type 2 diabetes face challenges in maintaining a healthy diet and managing their condition. The research revealed limited access to nutritious food options during night shifts, leading to poorer quality nutrition and greater variability in glucose levels.
A new study reveals that the honey bee waggle dance is a dynamic, two-way interaction shaped by its audience, contradicting the traditional view of unidirectional information flow. Researchers manipulated the number of potential observers to test how dancers adjust their behavior based on the availability of appropriately aged bees.
The University of Hong Kong secured 46 awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, showcasing its research and innovation excellence across various fields. The university's diverse portfolio highlights its strategic focus on driving cross-disciplinary research and innovation.
A new national study highlights the genetic changes that link exposure to Agent Orange to myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of bone marrow cancers that can progress to acute leukemia. The research found that exposed veterans were diagnosed at a younger age and had a higher rate of disease progression compared to unexposed patients.
Researchers equipped immune cells with proteins to recognize cancer cell metabolism, enhancing their ability to infiltrate and control tumor growth. The new therapy approach shows promise in treating solid tumors, overcoming a key limitation of existing immunotherapies.
Eating ultra-processed foods is associated with slower embryo growth, smaller yolk sacs, and increased subfertility risk. Reducing UPF consumption around conception and pregnancy may improve fertility outcomes for both parents and embryos.
A new study reveals that Australia's national park expansion has not effectively protected threatened species and ecosystems. Despite doubling the size of protected areas since 2010, critical conservation priorities are being overlooked.
Researchers found that the 40,000-year obliquity cycle influenced ocean productivity in subtropical latitudes about 34 million years ago. The study used chemical signals preserved in ocean sediment to reconstruct past biological productivity and showed a strong influence of the Antarctic ice sheet on subtropical marine ecosystems.
Researchers have developed tiny sensors capable of detecting multiple biomarkers simultaneously, including temperature and chemical changes. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and monitoring by providing reliable and clear information about disease presence in a minimally invasive way.
A new satellite-driven model, dEARTH, provides more realistic predictions of sand and dust storm (SDS) severity by accounting for dynamic changes in soil surfaces. The study found that SDS transport is sparse and discontinuous, reducing affected land area by 69% and global transport magnitude by 45%.
A new 4D digital heart model has been shown to improve patient outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure. The model, developed at the University of Calgary, enables personalized pacemaker placement, leading to a 10.8% increase in heart function compared to standard care.
Research shows combining small improvements in sleep, diet quality, and physical activity can significantly reduce major cardiovascular events. Making modest shifts in daily routines, such as sleeping more, eating more vegetables, and exercising more, were associated with a 10% reduction in risk.
A family medicine practice in upstate New York revised its patient dismissal process, shifting from expedited dismissals to a structured review process that prioritizes patient engagement and collaborative planning. This redesign led to a significant decline in behavior-concern referrals and eliminated racial disproportionality.
A systematic review of 31 studies found that diet changes and medications like thiazide diuretics, alkali therapy, and allopurinol may reduce stone recurrence in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. However, evidence was generally limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions.
The article explores how social media drives donations for Ukrainian military operations, creating a cycle of need for more funding. Former and current military personnel share their experiences, highlighting the desperation and creativity in using available tools to wage war.
Researchers developed a joint display method to analyze patient survey ratings and open-text comments together, revealing patterns between satisfaction scores and patient experiences. This approach provided a fuller view of patient experience than scores alone, with implications for long COVID program evaluations.
A team-based buprenorphine clinic incorporated a trained chaplain into patient care, providing a psychologically safe space for conversation and supporting patients in identifying recovery capital. The clinic reported successful outcomes, with eight patients achieving at least 12 months of sobriety.
Hajo Eicken takes over as AWI Director, bringing extensive expertise in glaciology and a network of national and international collaborations. He aims to strengthen the institute's research by integrating social sciences and indigenous forms of knowledge.
A landmark report by researchers at the University of Reading warns that weak legal rules on AI avatars are preventing UK businesses from accessing their full growth potential. The report proposes four reforms to ensure responsible use of AI avatar technology, including giving people a legal right over their own face and voice.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found integrating social risk alerts improved blood pressure control by increasing screenings for social risks. Intervention clinics showed a modest increase in odds of blood pressure control over time.
A study found that cancer patients during the last phase of life experienced more bleeding events than thromboembolic events. Most patients continued their antithrombotic therapy despite increased bleeding risk, with over 28% experiencing at least one bleeding episode.
A new study by Nirma University reveals that policy synchronization is key to reducing pollution costs in Mediterranean nations. The research found that when a country's environmental taxes, green protection spending, and renewable energy adoption move in perfect synchronization, the overarching cost of pollution drops significantly.
Research found that lonely patients reported worse healthcare experiences, including feeling unheard and unsupported. Patients who felt lonely were also less confident in managing their own health.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received community paramedic home care had higher satisfaction rates and preferred future care in a home setting compared to usual care pathways. The study did not show a significant reduction in hospital use or acute care needs, but improved patient outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients with floaters or flashes have a higher risk of retinal detachment. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, analyzed data from 1,181 episodes and found that new or recently changed acute floaters were associated with a higher relative risk.
Researchers found shared aging patterns in brain networks between humans and mice, highlighting a framework for studying cognitive aging and improving brain health. The study uses awake mice to examine how complex brain networks change with age, providing a platform for cross-species investigation.
Researchers found that clinicians assess patients in context, developing management plans collaboratively with patients and caregivers. Clinicians also reported growing skills to focus on overall well-being and priorities, suggesting tailored care benefits from team continuity, flexibility, and strong collaboration.
Researchers found that community health centers sustained strong patient-clinician relationships during the pandemic, with higher continuity rates among older adults and those with above-average income. Lower continuity rates were associated with female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, and telehealth use.
A study of 281,582 adults found that those experiencing social and physical isolation were less likely to receive preventive health services. Financial hardship was a significant factor contributing to these findings, with 82.1% of physically isolated individuals experiencing material deprivation.
Researchers examined how practice-based research and learning networks approach data governance, identifying the importance of building knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty. Existing Indigenous governance frameworks provide guidance on incorporating Indigenous data sovereignty principles into PBRLNs.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients presenting with floaters or flashes have different risks of retinal detachment. Researchers analyzed data from seven family practices in the Netherlands and discovered a higher absolute risk among episodes with new or recently changed acute floaters, more than 10 floaters...